About the Network
The Network’s Intention
The network aims to provide peer support for career development and progression for women and gender non-conforming researchers in mid and senior level positions. We hope that in creating a space for these researchers to socialise and network, they will gain access to more opportunities for collaboration and a forum for discussing their research ideas.
Our History
The ASCEND (medicAl ScienCes womEN’s acaDemic) Network was originally conceived between Oxford Cancer and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences; four senior women academics from these departments were initially consulted on the proposed project. From these consultations, a funding bid was submitted to the NIHR Oxford BRC. Success of this bid has allowed the network to grow into a cross-institutional, interdisciplinary network for mid and senior level women in research, academia and clinical environments to develop as leaders of their fields.